Do you need a Lactation Consultant?

Caregivers often realize that a problem exists but do not know who in the health care team is the appropriate professional to call. Lactation consultants help caregivers before baby is born, help in the post-partum period to get the best start, and support continued feeding including breastfeeding, bottle feeding with breastmilk and/or formula and introducing first foods. For those situations which can be addressed prenatally, problems are often prevented and or minimized. Overall, many of the problems which caregivers face are temporary and resolvable.

Indications that a pregnant or new mother may require a Lactation Consultant:

- History of breast surgery

- Minimal or no breast changes during pregnancy

- Breast or nipple pain

- Engorgement

- Anxiety regarding lactation and breastfeeding

- Relactation or induced lactation

- Marked breast or nipple asymmetry

Indications that an infant may require a Lactation Consultant:

- No latch within 24 hours of life

- Persistent difficulty latching

- Inadequate diapers (less than 2-3 stools per day by day 3 OR less than 2 voids per day by day 2)

- Preterm or premature infants

- Infants with special needs 

- Infants fretful at breast (squirming, crying, pulling off breast)

- Inadequate weight gain

Does this sound familiar?  Call us or click here to book an appointment now, we are ready to help.